Zak Brown admit McLaren want to sign Max Verstappen

McLaren’s surge in form during the 2025 Formula 1 season has been accompanied by off-track intrigue, as CEO Zak Brown revealed discussions with Max Verstappen’s management during the offseason.



Despite McLaren locking down Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris on long-term deals, Brown admitted that he explored the possibility of acquiring the reigning world champion.



Strategic Conversations During Offseason



During an interview with De Telegraaf , Brown confirmed he had reached out to Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, during the winter break. While McLaren was finalizing a new contract for Piastri, Brown explained the rationale behind his outreach:




“Oh yes, about that call… It’s my job to explore the market and to know what’s going on. We have to remember that at that time I was also negotiating a new contract with my own driver [Piastri].



“I want to be able to assess whether any stone could start falling over, causing a domino effect. Because that could trigger interest in my driver again. That is the reason I inquired.”








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His remarks underscored the complex market dynamics at play during driver contract negotiations and how interest in one driver can rapidly shift the landscape.



Verstappen’s Price Tag Ends Talks Quickly



Although the discussions were brief, Brown acknowledged the interaction provided valuable insight. Verstappen had previously mentioned the conversation in a light-hearted tone, suggesting it ended swiftly once McLaren heard the financial demands.



Brown echoed this sentiment with a grin, stating:




“Let me put it this way, during that phone call I got the information I needed.”




The comments indicate that while McLaren was intrigued by Verstappen’s availability, the cost of securing his services was likely beyond reach — or simply unnecessary given McLaren’s current roster.



McLaren Dominance Makes Transfers Unnecessary



McLaren’s driver pairing of Piastri and Norris has become the envy of the grid. The duo recently delivered another 1-2 finish at the Miami Grand Prix, with Piastri clinching his third consecutive win. The results have helped McLaren build a commanding 105-point lead over Mercedes in the constructors’ standings.



Brown, reflecting on the state of the team, said:




“I’m a happy camper.”




With both drivers secured on long-term deals and delivering consistent performances, McLaren appears set to challenge for both championships this season — making any potential Verstappen move a hypothetical scenario rather than a necessity.



No Immediate Changes, But Market Awareness Matters



Brown’s approach signals a proactive attitude toward driver market dynamics. Even though McLaren seems unlikely to change its lineup in the near term, the willingness to engage with top-tier talent like Verstappen shows a commitment to long-term planning and competitive agility.



As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on McLaren to see if their current momentum can be maintained — and whether this dominant form can finally bring championship glory back to Woking.
The post Zak Brown admit McLaren want to sign Max Verstappen appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk .